Models for Study of the Dynamic Behaviour of Structures in Flow and Waves

Before relevant information can be transmitted about “recent advances in hydraulic physical modeling”, it was considered useful to include an introduction on vibration theory and structure response in relation to flow and wave action. In this re spect, use was made of earlier publications [7, 8, 9 and 10]. Focussing on recent advances: these are related to developments in various fields, such as an improved understanding of flow-induced vibrations and of scale effects. Spectral wave modelling, Finite Element computations in structural mechanics, measurement techniques, miniaturising of transduces, signal analysis — all of these have been improved upon considerably. This, together with the increasing interest in problems of dynamics, made the writing of this chapter an interesting task for me.